Bodaboda rider found dead at home after assault by fake passenger in Gatundu

Police in Gatundu South, Kiambu County are investigating the suspected murder of a bodaboda rider who was found dead in his house hours after he was allegedly assaulted by a passenger.

The man, whose identity had not been disclosed by police, was found unresponsive inside his house in Kirangari area on Thursday evening.

The man’s sister went to check on him at around 5:30pm after learning that he had been injured the previous night.

She found the door locked from inside and, after receiving no response, sought the help of relatives to break it open.

They found the bodaboda operator unresponsive and alerted police.

Police visited the scene and established that the man had been assaulted on Wednesday at around 11am in Githaruru area.

Police said an unknown person posing as a passenger allegedly attacked the rider with a blunt object, striking him on the head.

Relatives rushed him to hospital, where he was treated and discharged.

However, he was found dead at his home the following day.

Detectives processed the scene as investigations commenced to establish the circumstances surrounding his death and identify the suspected attacker.

The body was moved to Gatundu Level 5 Hospital mortuary, where it will undergo preservation and autopsy.

Meanwhile, a group of bodaboda riders blocked Limuru Road near Rosslyn Riviera Mall in Nairobi on Thursday evening, protesting what they termed a harsh crackdown on motorcycles in the Gigiri area.

The incident occurred at around 6:30pm after riders from Ruaka reportedly barricaded the road using tree branches and motorcycles, disrupting traffic near Two Rivers Mall.

Police officers from Runda and Gigiri police stations responded to a distress call from members of the public and found the riders blocking the road.

Police said the protest was triggered by the arrest of one of the riders earlier in the day for alleged traffic offences. The rider was released on the instructions of the Gigiri Sub-County Police Commander in an attempt to calm the situation.

However, the riders reportedly continued blocking the road and began stoning motorists, prompting police to move in and disperse them.

Police used 14 teargas canisters and seven 7.62mm blank rounds during the operation.

Four motorcycles were seized during the skirmishes and taken to Gigiri Police Station, where they were being held pending further action.

No injuries were reported in the incident.